2023-24 Open Enrollment
Linfield University’s annual Open Enrollment period for the 2023-24 benefit year will take place from Monday, February 20 - Wednesday, March 8, 2023.
Open Enrollment is your once-a-year opportunity to make changes to your benefit choices. During Open Enrollment you can:
- Change medical plans. Not in love with the one you currently have? Choose from three others.
- Add or remove dependents from your benefit plans.
- Enroll for benefits for the first time.
Helpful resources:
- 2023-2024 Open Enrollment Presentation (Powerpoint)
- 2023-2024 Medical Benefits & Rate Comparisons - effective April 1, 2023
- Begin Open Enrollment through benefitsolver.com
Informational sessions
The Office of Human Resources and our insurance consultants will host a university-wide Open Enrollment Benefit Session on each campus
Wednesday, February 22, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
McMinnville Campus Open Enrollment Presentation
Pioneer Reading Room
Thursday, February 23, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. - POSTPONED due to weather
Portland Campus Open Enrollment Presentation
Building #5 Gym
View Recordings for:
2023-2024 Open Enrollment Presentation - Recorded
Insurance premium allowance
Benefit-eligible employees will receive a flat monthly amount based on their medical insurance election to purchase medical, dental and vision coverage for themselves and/or their eligible dependents. This monthly dollar amount is the same for all employee groups: faculty and staff. Your medical election can be different from the type of coverage you elect for dental and vision coverage. The amounts below assume full-time (.83 FTE or greater); amount prorated based on FTE.
Medical coverage premiums
| Linfield Monthly Premium Allowance* | First Choice Health Network PPO $2,500 Deductible | First Choice Health Network PPO HDHP HSA $3,000 Deductible | Kaiser HMO $500 Deductible | Kaiser HMO $2,500 Deductible | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employee Only | $775 | $908.37 | $747.26 | $725.07 | $577.07 |
| Employee & Spouse | $965 | $1,824.67 | $1,501.04 | $1,457.39 | $1,159.92 |
| Employee & Child(ren) | $895 | $1,625.06 | $1,336.84 | $1,297.87 | $1,032.96 |
| Employee & Family | $1,370 | $2,541.42 | $2,090.67 | $2,030.19 | $1,615.81 |
| Waiver Credit | $100 |
*Full-time (0.83 or greater) receives one of the following listed above. FTE between 0.50 and 0.82 benefit is prorated (ex. 0.50 FTE receives $387.50 for employee only coverage)
2023-2024 Medical Benefits & Rate Comparisons - effective April 1, 2023
Opting out of medical coverage
If you decide not to elect Linfield’s medical coverage you would be eligible to receive a monthly “opt-out” amount. The monthly opt-out amount is $100 for full-time employees at .83 FTE or greater; amount prorated based on FTE. This monthly amount would be considered a taxable benefit.
Even if you “opt-out” of Linfield’s medical plans you are still eligible to enroll into dental and vision coverage.
The premiums for either or both of those elections would be taken as a pre-tax payroll deduction.
Frequently asked questions
When is Open Enrollment?
The Open Enrollment period will be held from Monday, February 20, 2023 through Wednesday, March 8, 2023. The deadline to submit changes through the Benefit Solver portal is Wednesday, March 8 at 11:59 p.m. Elections made during Open Enrollment will become effective April 1, 2023, with payroll deductions beginning May 5, 2023.
What does Linfield pay towards my benefits?
Linfield provides an insurance premium allowance that can be used to purchase medical/dental/vision benefits. The amount Linfield contributes is determined by the medical enrollment. The allowance is increasing by $20 this year.
What’s new this year?
Kaiser First Choice Health Network PPO & HSA/High Deductible PPO Plans are replacing the Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO & High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs).
How do I make changes or review options?
Visit www.benefitsolver.com to review plan options, summaries and premiums. All changes must be submitted through this portal by Wednesday, March 8 at 11:59 p.m.
What if I don't want to make any changes?
There are changes to all of the medical plans. Benefit Solver will map the comparable new option based on your current coverages. You must still complete the online Open Enrollment process on the Benefit Solver system by Wednesday, March 8 at 11:59 p.m.
What if I have coverage outside of Linfield?
Linfield University offers a monthly opt-out of $100 per month for anyone waiving medical insurance. This amount is added to your income and taxed each month. If you waive medical, the employer contribution does not apply; however, you and your eligible family members remain eligible for dental and vision insurance.
What if my benefit selections cost is less than the employer contribution?
You are not able to keep any remaining employer contribution funds that are not used.
What if I have specific questions I would like to talk with Kaiser Permanente about?
Plan to attend the Benefit Fair in McMinnville on February 22nd or in Portland on February 23rd.
What if I am in the middle of treatment, have a planned surgery, or upcoming medical treatments? How do I make sure the transition doesn’t cause problems?
Contact Jodi Jones, Benefits Specialist, at 503-883-2226 or jjones5@linfield.edu.
What if I need to make a change outside of Open Enrollment?
Once the enrollment deadline is past, your choices are binding until the next open enrollment period. Mid-year changes are only permitted when there is a Qualifying Life Event (marriage, divorce, birth, death, gaining or losing other coverage). To make a change outside of Open Enrollment, you must initiate a Life Event in the Benefit Solver system within 31 days of the event.
Do you have additional questions?
If you have questions or concerns regarding Open Enrollment or your insurance:
Please contact Jodi Jones, Benefits Specialist in the Office of Human Resources, at 503-883-2226 or jjones5@linfield.edu.